Aretha Franklin

James Brown, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five

As a little black boy growing up in the ghetto these public figures helped shape my integrity and self-respect. James Brown singing “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud!” was a profound statement for me and I sang it like an anthem. Muhammad Ali was the first real-life black hero I realized I had – not something in a comic book. And he didn’t just have strength and a loud mouth – the man spoke sense! Wisdoms to live by.

The Jackson Five was just another ghetto boy’s dream come true – you had these kids from a rough background that had grabbed onto the “American Dream.” They were inspiring and their music was really good; their songs stand as classics today: “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save,” “ABC,” “Dancing Machine” – all good stuff.

Michael Jackson himself was a “gift” like Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, Thomas Edison, Bill Gates, Michelangelo, and Elon Musk. I was literally so in awe of Jackson’s talent I was content to slowly build my career as I watched the juggernaut that was Michael Jackson. I am glad I was in his time

Robin Williams

I am still reeling and perplexed about Robin Williams’ suicide. I’ve personally had two friends who committed suicide.

The idea that someone who is also such a “gift” to this world could not find his own place and balance in this world leaves me to think he must have bought into some BS about his self-worth. Maybe some playground bully or adult in his early life convinced him he’ll be nothing, no matter what he did. I can’t imagine anyone with any love for themselves being able to self-murder like that. Man, woman, child or beast – whoever spoke to him like that – he should have told them to go f— themselves.

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